The Sri Lanka Navy arrested 41 individuals in coordinated operations across island waters from April 1 to 15, conducted jointly with the Coast Guard and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, to curb destructive and unauthorized fishing practices. 

Naval personnel also seized 11 dinghies and two tractors used in illegal activities. 

The operations spanned coastal areas and lagoons including Chemmalai, Cheddipalayam, Elizabeth Island, Foul Point, Clappenburg Point, Uppural, Nandikadal Lagoon, Alampil, Elephant Island, Puduwakattu in Trincomalee, Uchchamunai in Puttalam, and Komar Point in Jaffna, executed by the Eastern, Northern, and Northwestern Naval Commands. 

The raids yielded sea cucumbers, commercial-grade explosives, and banned fishing gear. 

The suspects and seized equipment were handed over to Fisheries Department offices in Mullaitivu, Kinniya, Cod Bay, Ichchalanpattu, Kaluwanchikudy, Kilinochchi, and Puttalam, as well as the STF in Pulmoddai, for further legal action. (Newswire)

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